South Middlesex Times

Four members of the Rutgers University faculty have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) this year. They are among 471 individuals chosen for their contributions across various scientific fields. This recognition acknowledges their advancements in diverse areas such as cancer treatment, understanding the microbiome, and the chemical biology of reactive nitrogen species.

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway expressed his pride in this achievement, highlighting the significance of their work in advancing scientific knowledge and human health. "The induction into the American Association for the Advancement of Science amplifies the importance of their work to create new scientific knowledge and to improve human health and well-being," he said.

Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello has been recognized for her significant contributions to understanding the human microbiome and its link to urbanization. Her research has highlighted the importance of microbial communities in human health and the effects of industrialization on these microbes. In her words, "The microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health."

Andrew Gow's research focuses on the chemical biology of reactive nitrogen species, specifically concerning lung disease. Gow aims to develop therapies for conditions where nitric oxide metabolism is disrupted. He explained, “Once we understand the mechanics of nitric oxide, we can understand how to correct the signaling when it goes wrong and design appropriate therapies.”

Prabhas V. Moghe is honored for his research in nanotechnologies for cancer surveillance and brain health. As an engineer, Moghe combines biological understanding with synthetic devices to address complex medical issues. He emphasized multiple solutions for problem-solving: “I think about scaling and about how to stitch a collection of paths so multiple solutions can be addressed.”

Michael E. Zwick is recognized for his contributions to genetic research related to rare and common diseases. His efforts at Rutgers focus on advancing research and scholarship by reducing bureaucratic hurdles for faculty and students. "Research is a highly government-regulated and complex process. What I’ve sought to do is to remove that complexity from faculty and students and allow them to spend more of their time doing what they love," Zwick commented.

AAAS is the largest multidisciplinary scientific society, renowned for publishing prominent research. The inclusion of these Rutgers researchers underscores the university's role in leading impactful scientific endeavors.